In the summer of 2016, JBL introduced an updated version of its popular Charge 3. Its characteristics are slightly different from the previous version, as well as some features. In today's review, we will take a closer look at this device, in order not only to refresh your memory, but also to talk about another important topic - how to distinguish an original column from a fake. Let's start!
Description
The JBL Charge 3 replaced the equally popular Charge 2 speaker and immediately began to gain popularity. The main advantage of the new model was not only improved performance and a larger battery, but also the appearance of the IPX7 protocol, which allows you to take the speaker with you to the sea, pool or jacuzzi - it is not afraid of moisture and water. Now about everything in order.
Contents of delivery
The JBL Charge 3 speaker is sold in a small cardboard box with a nice matte finish. On top of the package is a large image of the column itself, which floats in the water. Also on the packaging are the characteristics of the model and its main features.
Inside the box you can find the following kit:
- Charge 3.
- USB-microUSB cable for charging.
- Charger adapter.
- 3 additional wiki attachments for the power adapter to the desired outlet.
- Instruction.
- Quick User Guide.
- Warranty card.
Compared with previous version, there is no branded cover, but, in principle, it is not needed, since now there is complete moisture protection. As for the equipment, I would like to thank the manufacturer for the additional plugs for the required outlet. Not every manufacturer can see this.
Design and appearance
JBL Charge 3 looks very interesting and recognizable. The traditional shape of the "keg" has been preserved, as well as a large selection of colors for every taste. The material from which the column body is made is a dense rubberized fabric that looks a bit like a metal mesh. It is this fabric that does not allow water to penetrate inside the device. In addition to fabric, soft-touch plastic is also used here, from which the side skirts are made.
The company logo is placed on the front of the device, and the charge level indicator is located closer to the bottom. The controls are on the top: Bluetooth button, volume down, power on, JBL Connect, volume up and start/pause. Only the 2 central buttons are backlit.
Behind the column is a rubber plug, which hides the 3.5 mm jack, USB and microUSB. On both ends of the Charge 3 there are passive silver-colored radiators with overflows. They also have the brand logo on them.
Specifications JBL Charge 3
The JBL Charge 3 has a pair of built-in 10W speakers for a total of 20W which is pretty good. The frequency range of the speaker is quite wide, and even wired speakers for a computer can envy it - 65-20,000 Hz. Of the differences from the previous model, it is worth noting the appearance of more powerful battery, which added a little weight, but now the column can play up to 20 hours from a full charge without any problems.
The proprietary JBL Connect function allows you to combine several speakers into one, that is, you can easily take 3-4 JBL speakers with support for the JBL Connect function, and they will play as one system. The effect is very cool, and it is difficult to describe it in words. In addition, "Charge 3" supports the simultaneous connection of up to 3 control devices, and it does not matter at all whether it is a smartphone or a laptop. Thus, the company solved the popular problem when at parties or in some other situation only 1 person controlled the music.
As for moisture protection, it allows you to immerse the column in water to a depth of 1 meter for a period of no more than 30 minutes. But this only applies to diving - you can swim with a speaker all day long.
In general, the characteristics of the JBL Charge 3 are better than those of the previous model, which is good news.
Sound quality
The sound quality of the JBL Charge 3 is at the highest level. This is not the first time the company confirms that it really specializes in audio equipment. There are no objections here. The bass is excellent, the middle is heard very well, the high frequencies also leave no questions. At all, this model can be safely set as a standard among portable acoustics. A lot of manufacturers should pay attention to how JBL makes their devices.
There is also a volume margin, and it is very decent. According to the general feeling, the maximum volume is enough to fill a room of 35-40 "squares" with sound without any problems. More importantly, when the volume level is increased, the sound quality does not drop, and any distortion or rattles do not appear.
Which I consider to be just about the best portable speaker I've ever owned. However, it has two, for some very critical drawbacks - these are its dimensions and weight. When you want to be light, Xtreme becomes a burden. However, JBL has something to offer here - a more compact and stylish Charge 3.
Let's start the review of the JBL Charge 3 portable speaker by examining its characteristics and later we will look in detail at the capabilities of the portable speaker.
Characteristics of the JBL Charge 3 portable speaker:
- two 50mm drivers
- total power 10W
- playback frequency: 65 - 20,000 Hz
- signal-to-noise ratio >80 dB
- Bluetooth 4.1
- supported profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6, HSP 1.2
- transmission frequency 2.402 - 2.480 GHz
- built-in microphone
- moisture protection according to IPx7 standard
- wireless connection to other JBL Connect devices
- battery 6,000 mAh (22.2 Wh)
- charging at a current of 5 V, 2 A
- dimensions: 213 x 87 x 88.5 mm
- weight 800 grams
Available colors: black, gray, red, blue, turquoise.
At IFA 2016, other body colors were also announced, brighter and more saturated. They should be on sale soon.
Equipment
The box from under the device is quite large, with high-quality printing, but includes a very modest package. Inside, in addition to the speaker itself, there was a Micro USB cable and a 5V and 2.3A power supply. The manufacturer also took care of adapters for various sockets and plugs.
There is no case, no carrying strap, as it was in the same one. So we don't stop, we move on.
Design
Among the compact speakers from JBL, our version is the heaviest and largest, but in relation to it, it is just a baby.
Length | Width | Thickness | Weight |
|
JBL Xtreme | 2112 |
|||
JBL Charge 3 | 88,5 | |||
JBL Charge 2 | 185,2 | |||
JBL Flip 3 | ||||
However, it occupies an intermediate position for a reason. From the flagship "extreme" it differs, perhaps, only in size and sound power, but it differs from it in many ways: starting from the same dimensions, ending with all sorts of chips.
Most of the area of the body is covered with a rubberized dense fabric, which should prevent water and other environmental troubles from getting inside.
I have no doubts about the reliability of this material. To wipe the fabric or tear it, you need to try very hard. But all sorts of spots, it seems to me, can still remain on the body.
There is no mention of dust protection. The standard assumes that it does not exist. However, I threw the speaker into the sand on the beach from a height of about 1.2 meters, sprinkled it with squeaks, drove back and forth and so on. After that, you go to the water, rinse and Charge 3 looks like new. However, it is just sand. But all sorts of spots, it seems to me, can still remain on the body. Therefore, do not spill juice or wine on the column.
Where there is no fabric, there is a soft-touch rubberized body. On the top side there are raised button-symbols. It all looks stylish, feels good to the touch, as the icons are quite large.
Only two keys are backlit (white or blue): power and JBL Connect.
At the bottom there is a rubber stand, due to which the device stands securely on almost any surface.
Nearby is a wide rubber plug with several valves to protect the connectors from leaks. We have in stock:
- Micro USB port for charging the gadget itself
- full size USB for charging all other devices (smartphones, action cameras, etc.)
- standard 3.5 mm audio output
There is nothing more to describe. Everything looks stylish, minimalistic and quite modern. Against the backdrop of Charge 3 looks slightly outdated.
Connection
Connection with sound sources (there can be up to three of them at the same time) is quick and without hesitation. After the first pairing, the speaker will connect automatically in the future, you do not need to do anything. The only thing is not to turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone or whatever you have as a source.
If anything, the device can also be connected via a cable with 3.5 mm plugs at both ends. It is strange that the corresponding wire was not found in the kit. Bluetooth transmission will take precedence over wired connection, which, in principle, fits perfectly into the company's logic. I remind you that JBL in recent years has hit wireless technologies. I think it is correct.
In addition, as practice shows, playing music through Bluetooth is better affects column autonomy. Surprising but true.
In addition, I liked the stability of the connection. First, everything is in order with the range. My gadget worked without problems at a distance of about five meters from the broadcast source, and at the same time there were two not the most thin walls. Secondly, I have never noticed disconnections. Yes, stuttering was present when several appeared around, for example, WiFi networks and something was transmitted via Bluetooth. And therefore overburdened wireless networks places to be avoided.
Like all the latest innovations from the company, our hero is equipped with JBL Connect support. This feature means that branded devices can be networked and play the same music at the same time.
Once connected, the volume control is not synchronized with the audio source. Simply put, we unscrew the volume separately on the smartphone, and then add it separately on the speaker.
Moisture protection
Perhaps this is the coolest feature that personally caused me a truly childish delight. The IPx7 standard is declared, which implies not only protection from moisture, but also immersion of the device under water to a depth of up to a meter.
Although the manufacturer only talks about rain and splashes, I still decided to slightly sink the device in water. I immersed the speaker about 20 centimeters under water, and she felt very good. Yes, after swimming, the speakers are kind of muffled, but after a while they push all the water out of their slots and continue to play at full power.
The main thing here is to make sure that the connector is tightly closed with a rubber plug.
After my water tests, I found that some moisture and sand still got under the valves, but the harmful liquid did not get to the connectors.
Sound
Despite the shape elongated along its axis and round in cross section, the sound here does not extend to all 360 degrees. The built-in speakers here are clearly directed and emit sound from the front side, where the company logo is located. Accordingly, the sound can be quite easily muffled by simply placing the speaker on the wrong side or accidentally covering it with a pillow, for example.
I wouldn't classify this as a disadvantage, but it would still be much cooler if the drivers were directed 270 degrees. To start.
The sound quality didn't bother me. Loudly, without blockages, whistling and squeaking, clear, high quality - what else did you forget? In this regard, there is nothing to improve.
Still, we are dealing with a fairly large, albeit portable acoustics. Therefore, in terms of sound quality, the manufacturer can properly turn around. In other, smaller devices, there may be options, as developers have to make all sorts of compromises.
Switching between tracks was hung up on double pressing the Play / Pause button. However, you cannot go back to the composition, only forward.
speakerphone
Any modern portable speaker has a built-in microphone. In our case, there is also a function of noise reduction and echo cancellation.
Offline work
Inside installed lithium ion battery at 6,000 mAh. From it, the column is able to work (at maximum volume) 8 hours 24 minutes. A very decent result, which is enough for one, quite a noisy party.
If you lower the volume by half or set it to two-thirds, then the autonomy results will be much higher. I did not check, but the experience of testing similar devices is true.
Manufacturer says 20 hours battery life and I am inclined to believe that they mean volume settings set to 50%.
At the bottom there are five separate LEDs that reflect the level of the remaining charge. The readings are always correct: three burning lights mean that 60 percent of the capacity is left, and not as it happens when one diode goes out, but in fact there are 20 percent left.
Outcome
Now up-to-date JBL Charge 3 price- 10 990 rubles. When buying a column for this amount, you pay 70 percent of the amount for quality, technology, chips (moisture protection and the Connect function) and about 30% you pay for the brand. Still, we are not dealing with a Chinese noname, but with a world-class brand. This is neither bad nor good. It's just the way it is and you have to take it seriously.
I never tire of repeating that one of the best scenarios for buying devices from JBL is buying as a gift. Such a device is always a pleasure to get for those who like to listen to music and do it not only on the way to work or study in headphones or through laptop speakers.
Yes, most of the time the device will quietly gather dust on the shelf, since each of us has our favorite headphones on the street, and stationary acoustics that suits the quality at home. But in those rare moments of going to the beach, to nature, to the dacha, you will be very happy with the presence of Charge 3. And a nice bonus is that it’s not scary to throw the column into the sand, and then just go to the river and wash it in water. Well, isn't it cool?!
Already on sale Price: 10 990 rubles
JBL Charge 3 is an incredibly stylish, eye-catching ergonomic design, waterproof portable acoustic system. She supports wireless transmission data and can be paired with many modern devices that support Bluetooth technology. Also, the column is able to provide necessary charge any compatible device via the USB connector. Charging is carried out even when JBL Charge 3 is turned off.
The convenience of use
Thanks to its unusual ergonomic design, the JBL Charge 3 speaker system can be installed both horizontally and vertically (except on the side where the bass reflex is located). Due to the water resistance of the case and thanks to the rubberized elements wireless speakers Now you can enjoy your favorite compositions both in the rain and by the pool, without worrying about its performance. The control buttons are moved to the top and are made of rubber in the form of icons of the functions for which they are responsible.
signature sound
JBL Charge 3, like all products of the famous brand, has high quality sound comparable to home acoustics. Now you don't have to be indoors to enjoy excellent sound stereo systems - with JBL Charge 3 you can experience the legendary power, clarity and high fidelity of audio content in any place. The built-in 6000 mAh battery will extend this pleasure for 20 hours non-stop.
Peculiarities:
- Bright, stylish design
- Wireless connection Bluetooth
- Waterproof rubberized housing
- Signature sound quality
- Compact and ergonomic
- Own food
- Time of continuous work in the mode of listening to music up to 20 hours
- Ability to charge compatible devices
The third generation of the JBL Charge series is rightfully considered the king of portable acoustics - there is nothing to complain about in the design of the speaker, and besides, you will have to look for equals in sound quality.
Barrel in chain mail
Externally, the model is a small barrel, dressed in fabric chain mail. The outfit protects the speaker body from mechanical damage (mainly scratches), and the internal “stuffing” from dust and water according to the requirements of the IPX7 standard. Acoustics can be briefly immersed under water to a depth of 1 m, and even rain or splashes are not afraid of it all the more. The main thing is not to forget to tightly cover the area with connection interfaces with a rubber plug - AUX, microUSB and full-size USB port.
juicy sound
In the third version of the column, a platform for horizontal parking has “grown” to its body. Of course, the ability to put the JBL Charge 3 in a vertical position was also not deprived, but in this case one of the pair of passive bass radiators is blocked. They are paired with 50mm speakers with a total output of 20W. At maximum volume, the speaker yells indecently loudly, and not at the expense of sound quality - it remains clear, juicy and saturated. By tying a few portable devices JBL into a single speaker system (JBL Connect function), you can arrange a real concert at home or on the street.
power bank
A 6000 mAh battery hidden in the bowels of the case powers not only the speaker, but also other devices (when connected via the aforementioned USB port). JBL Charge 3 is famous for its longevity - the column does without recharging for 20 hours of playing songs at an average volume level. Of course, everything also depends on the genre of music - tracks with a predominance of powerful basses drain the battery many times faster (in about 7-8 hours).
Party King
Speaking about the capabilities of the model, it would be a sin not to honor the built-in microphone with noise and echo cancellation. For incoming calls (and the speaker can be used as a speakerphone), it provides excellent voice quality. Summing up all the advantages, JBL Charge 3 confirms the title of the king of parties, regardless of where they are held - be it at home, a clearing in the forest, a snow-covered ski slope or a hot beach.
